'An original GT40 is priceless, but an equally charismatic alternative is the GTD40. The pair are indistinguishable from five paces, let alone 50, so faithful is GTD's replica even to the discerning eye. The GTD is no "kit car", but a thoroughbred in every sense.' - Autosport magazine 1989.
A decade on from its final Le Mans win, the GT40 had become firmly established as one of the all-time great classic sports cars, leading to an increased demand for unmolested originals and the start of a replica-building industry. With a mere 107 GT40s being constructed at Ford Advanced Vehicles' Slough factory between 1966 and 1972, it is hardly surprising that a cottage industry of independent manufacturers arose to satisfy the continuing demand for replicas of Ford's charismatic Le Mans winner.

Located initially at Manchester and then at Poole in Dorset, GT Developments soon established itself as one of the foremost manufacturers of accurate GT40 replicas. Commencing in the early 1980s, GTD had started out making sub assemblies for Kenneth Vincent Attwell's KVA GT40 replica before going on to make complete cars. Ken Attwell had been a senior production manager at Ford's Swansea factory, and while there was responsible for taking body moulds from an original car, which he then received permission to use to build replicas. Under the supervision of Ray Christopher, a director of the company, GT Developments later went on to build their own version in its entirety. It is this link via KVA to an original GT40 that made the GTD version superior to its rivals, plus the fact that Ray had concluded an agreement with Bob Lutz, then head of Ford Europe, for the supply of genuine parts.

Built by recognised experts GT Developments, this faithful replica of Ford's legendary Le Mans winner was purchased in the UK in February 2010 and immediately registered by the FFVE. Based on the Mk1 model, it is to original configuration but of improved specification, making it equally at home on either road or racetrack. Soon after purchase the owner decided to restore the car, the rebuild being completed in June 2012. Noteworthy features include adjustable suspension front and rear; adjustable AVO 'coil-over' shock absorbers (for road/track use); HiSpec 4-pot brake callipers and ventilated AP Racing discs all round; and BRM alloy wheels (8" front, 10" rear) shod with Avon tyres. The suspension, brakes, radiator, tyres, exhaust, etc cost 16,700.

Installed in 2012 and costing 17,850, the engine is a Ford Boss 347ci (5.7-litre) racing unit fitted with aluminium cylinder heads, racing carburettor, Mallory electronic ignition and ceramic exhaust. A true racing engine with 4-bolt block, it produces 430bhp with up to 550 horsepower available with further tuning. Fitted at the same time as the engine, the gearbox is a six-speed sequential SADEV unit. The body was repainted one year ago while the Lexan side windows have been replaced and the interior upholstered in correct original materials. All work has been carried out by professionals and all invoices are available. Total cost (including the initial purchase price) was more than 138,000.

The car comes with owner's manual including starting instructions and product recommendations; dynamometer data (recorded in 2011) and gearbox test in all six gears; GT Developments sales brochure; expert report (showing a value of 120,000); and a substantial restoration file containing photographs of the rebuild.
This car is eligible to participate in demonstrations at historic meetings such as the Spa Classic, Dix Mille Tours of Le Castellet, Le Mans Historique, etc and can achieve lap times matching those of an original GT40. Available for a fraction of the price of an original, this superb GT40 replica is offered with French Carte Grise de Collection and Contrôle Technique valid until 2017.

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